New NSW SES headquarters officially open

State-of-the-art facilities at the new headquarters in Wollongong will enhance the NSW State Emergency Service’s (NSW SES) response capabilities.

A redesigned Operations Centre at the new NSW SES State Headquarters will better help coordinate the organisation’s response to floods, storms, tsunami and other emergencies.

Around 235 NSW SES staff are based at the headquarters to support more than 9000 volunteers across the state.

The facility will also give volunteers an opportunity to be involved in operations at the headquarters.

NSW SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst said the SES was changing the way it recruited volunteers by “reaching out to different industries and community groups to draw on the expertise and skills that can bolster our operations.”

“There has never been a better time to volunteer with the NSW SES. Whatever your background, location and skill-set, there is a place for you to volunteer with the NSW SES,” Commissioner Smethurst said.

Since moving in to the new location, the SES has managed over 2500 emergency call-outs.